The Andalusian dates back to the place and times of cave dwellers of the Mesolithic Age, in the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. The early scarceness of the breed is attributed to the embargo placed on the breed by the Spanish government which continued over a century. Since the time the ban was lifted in the 1960's a few in limited numbers have been imported into the U.S. The appearance of this breed gets it commonly mistaken for an Arabian horse. The Andalusian has been a great influence upon many breeds over the years. Owners of an Andalusian are said to consider their horses priceless.